Former Australia wicket-keeper Ian Healy has sent a message of congratulations to South Africa's Mark Boucher on breaking his world record for dismissals behind the stumps.

Boucher set the new mark of 396 victims when he stumped Pakistani batsman Umar Gul for 12 on the third day of the first Test against Pakistan on Wednesday.

"Healy has sent a congratulatory message to Boucher through Australian umpire Simon Taufel who is officiating the Karachi Test," South African media spokesman Michael Owen-Smith told reporters.

"Boucher was very happy to receive the message."

Healy, who retired in 1999, had 366 catches and 29 stumpings in 119 Tests.

Boucher, who is playing in his 103rd Test, praised Healy after his feat, saying he had always liked the way Healy kept wicket.

"It's a great feeling to have broken the record, especially of someone who I used to watch on television as a schoolboy," said Boucher in his post-match comments on Wednesday.

"Healy was great and I used to love the way he kept. In a way it's a great feeling but it is also sad to break such a good keeper's record. I have played enough Tests so if you play over 100 Tests, records come your way."